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Z1- Z900 Models:
In the early 70's Kawasaki introduced the Z1 to the world, developed in strict secrecy under
the project name "New York Steak". Some years previously, Kawasaki, already an established
manufacturer of two-stroke motorcycles, decided to make a 750cc 4-cylinder 4-stroke sports
motorcycle; they were beaten to the market place by the Honda CB750. Apparently, the bosses
at Kawasaki disapproved and ordered their designers to come up with something better. The
subsequent design was a 903cc bike.
Today the Kawasaki Z1 Z1A Z1B and Z900 has a huge and dedicated worldwide following and has
become one of the most desirable and sought after Japanese classics.
Z1300 Models:
After the huge success of the of the Z1 and Z900 Kawasaki wanted to up the anti and produce
a ground breaking motorcycle which was bigger smoother and more powerful than anything else.
The Z1300 was shown to the world at the Koln show in September 1978. The engine a liquid-
cooled 1286cc DOHC two valve per each of the six cylinders sat in the bike which had a dry
weight of 297kg. In November 1978 the press were introduced to the Z1300, They were unanimous
with praise for both styling and impressive performance of the ground breaking machine.
The Z1300 was produced from 1978 until bowing out in 1989. In 1983 the Z1300 was given a digital
fuel injection (D.F.I.) and was called the ZG1300, power and torque was increased. In march of
1983 the Voyager was launched, a fully dressed tourer. Sadly it never sold in great numbers
in the UK and the rest of Europe due to the high price tag of around £3,500 in 1979 when
in 1976 a Z900 would have only set you back £1,350. This makes the Z1300 and associated spare
parts a lot harder to find and therefore potentially a more valuable future classic.
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